Visitation (Part 1)

Having suffered through the part of the college application process that involved test-taking, essay writing, list making, and applying, we're now in the period of waiting and responding (which will then be followed by deciding and committing). So far, Owen has been admitted to three colleges (Goucher, St. Mary's and Washington College), deferred at two (Colorado College and University of Denver), and still awaiting responses for three (Grinnell, University of Maryland and William & Mary).

While we wait to hear from the rest of his options, we've started scheduling admitted student visits. Our inaugural one was Friday at Washington College, established in 1782 and named after the then General, who contributed 50 guineas to its founding, in order for Owen to interview for its Presidential Fellows Program.

The day started with the one and a half hour drive (over the Bay Bridge, mind you) to Chestertown, MD. After checking in at the Visitor's Center, we headed to the Gibson's Center for the Arts auditorium for an overview of the Presidential Fellows program. An hour later, the applicants were sent to mock classes (Owen attended, Brewing up Trouble: The History of Tea and the American Revolution) while the parents participated in a more direct question and answer period with college staff. Owen and I then met up in time for his interview for the program, followed by lunch in the Dining Hall.

After lunch, we had the option for a guided tour, but Owen wanted to explore more freely so we went off on our own. One of our first stops was at the library, where a helpful librarian (who clearly knew her audience) asked if we ever watched Doctor Who. Inspired by the series, Washington developed its own VARDIS (Virtual/Augmented Reality Digital Imaging Studio) where students can create virtual reality experiences. Two students happened to be working on some museum studies projects while we were there and gave a rather lengthy presentation about the technology and its application. Next we swung by Ideaworks, the lab which features a laser saw, multiple 3-D printers, and all the tools to build a battery powered boat for student-led projects.

After the library, we attempted to get into a few buildings unsuccessfully before heading back to the car – though we managed to time it perfectly to catch Washington's baseball team's warm-up. After taking the mandated pictures for Allen, Owen and I headed back over the Bay Bridge to DC. where Owen announced it wasn't his top choice, but that he liked it (though that was before he learned that the nearest climbing gym was in Delaware...).

(To see all the pictures, click here.)